THE UNEXPECTED and Following Too Close – A Video

FMCSA Video Event Recording of Following Too Close

VIDEO DESCRIPTION: The CMV driver is traveling in the far right lane of a three-lane highway during the day. There is an exit-only lane on the right, adjacent to the driver’s lane. The driver is following a lead passenger vehicle closely. The passenger vehicle begins to slow in order to move to the left and into the middle lane. The CMV driver does not slow down appropriately and comes close to the rear of the passenger vehicle as it changes lanes.

TRAINING EXERCISE: After viewing the video, try to answer the following questions:

• Does the driver appear to adjust his vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe following distance with the lead vehicle?
• Why was the lead vehicle slowing down?
• Why did the driver brake excessively?
• What could the driver have done differently?

Here is an example of tailgating, being unable to safely respond to THE UNEXPECTED.

The tailgating vehicle  (following too close) had less than a second of space between them and the vehicle in front.  RESULT: UNABLE TO REACT TO THE UNEXPECTED SAFELY.

The camera vehicle maintained a 3 to 4 second cushion between them and the  vehicles in front.  RESULT:  A SAFE RESPONSE TO THE UNEXPECTED

Tailgating is another term for Following Too Close.  When you follow too close you do not have time to adjust your driving for the unexpected.  When driving at speeds greater than 49 mph in a CMV over 10,000 GVWR create the habit of keeping 3 to 4 seconds distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.  The vehicle with the camera in this video maintained the correct distance. 

HOW TO COUNT THE SECONDS

The vehicle in front pass a fix point, start counting the seconds . . .     Mississippi One     Mississippi  two     Mississippi three Missis  till you car crosses the same fixed point.  Some people use the white lines, some use bushes, some use sign posts. Whatever you use . . . MAKE IT YOUR HABIT to keep a safe cushion SO YOU CAN CONTROL THE UNEXPECTED..

DOT Drivers Medical Certificate

This is an excellent program which help companies insure their drivers are fit to drive safely.

Do you have a DOT #?   Then read on.  If your answer is – no –  but  aren’t sure you need a DOT # or not.  Put — Do I need – in this site’s search box in the upper right.

Now, here is what I found from the FMCSA site.  Click on the image to go there.

All commercial drivers of vehicles in interstate commerce with a maximum gross vehicle weight rating of over 10,000 pounds (4,536 kilograms) are required to obtain and maintain a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate    https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/medical

States Requiring Intrastate CMV DOT Registration

Apart from federal regulations, some states require their intrastate commercial motor vehicle registrants to obtain a USDOT Number. As of Feb 2017 the 32 states which require DOT #’s are:

Alaska – DOT # required for CMV 10,001 GVW or more. Alaska DOT 907-365-1210

Alabama – DOT # required for CMV 26,001 GVW or more Alabama DOT 334-242-2999

Arizona – DOT # required for CMV

California – Carrier ID http://www.chp.ca.gov Motor Carrier of Property Permit http://www.dmv.ca.gov 916-657-6803

Connecticut – DOT # required for CMV 10,001 GVW or more Connecticut DOT 800-842-8222

Colorado – DOT # required for CMV 26,001 GVW or more Colorado DOR 303-205-5607

 

Florida – DOT FL # required for CMV 10,001 GVW or more Florida DOT 850-488-7920

Georgia – DOT GA # required for CMV 10,001 GVW or more Georgia DOR 404-675-6135

Indiana – DOT # required for CMV 10,001 GVW or more Indiana DOR 317-615-7200

Kansas – DOT KS # required for CMV Kansas Corp Comm 800-832-5660

Kentucky – DOT KY # required for CMV 10,001 GVW or more KY Trans Cabinet 502-564-4127

Maine – DOT # required for CMV 26,001 GVW or more Maine State Police 207-624-8939

Maryland – DOT MD # required for CMV 10,001 GVW or more MD State Hwy Admin 410-582-5739

Michigan – DOT # required for CMV 10,001 GVW or more  State Police 888-464-8736

Minnesota – DOT # required for CMV 10,001 GVW or more MN State Patrol 651-405-6060

Missouri – DOT MO # required for CMV 10,001 GVW or more Missouri DOT 866-831-6277

Montana –DOT # required for CMV

New Jersey – DOT # required for CMV

New York – DOT NY # required for CMV 10,001 GVW or more New York DOT 866-881-2630

North Carolina -DOT NC # required

Ohio – DOT OH # required for CMV 10,001 GVW or more OH Bureau of MV 614-777-8400

Oklahoma – DOT OK # required for CMV 26,001 GVW or more OK Corp Comm 405-521-3246

Oregon – DOT OR # required for CMV 10,001 GVW or more Oregon DOT 503-378-6699

Pennsylvania – DOT # required for CMV

South Carolina – DOT # required for CMV

Tennessee – DOT # required for CMV 10,001 GVW or more TN Dept of Safety 615-687-2260

Texas – DOT # required for CMV 10,001 GVW or more Texas DOT 800-299-1700

Utah – DOT UT # required for CMV UT State Tax Comm 810-297-7780

 

Washington – DOT # required for CMV 26,001 GVW or more WA Dept of Licensing 360-664-1858

West Virginia – DOT # required for CMV – WV Pub Svc Comm 304-340-0483

Wisconsin – DOT # required for CMV

Wyoming – DOT WY # required for CMV 26,001 GVW or more WY DOT 307-777-4772

The source for this information is from FMSCSA 2017. For example FMCSA notes the following states as requiring DOT Registration

 States can change, or upgrade their requirements. Check with states that don’t require DOT registration as noted above: just to make sure there are no surprises.  To ASSUME makes an ASS of U and Me.  Drive safe, DOT  helps make it so.

Updating Your DOT Number is Mandatory.

What to Update?

• Name Changes
• Address Changes
• Reinstate
• Revoke

Routine USDOT Number Updates

To view a company’s current information, go to the SAFER System’s Company Snapshot[external link]. Updates can be done online via the FMCSA online registration system with your US DOT PIN, or by filing an MCS-150 form.  See below for more information on updating your US DOT number information.

Biennial Updates

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all entities under its jurisdiction to update their information every two years. You are required to provide this update every two years even if your company has not changed its information, has ceased interstate operations since the last update, or is no longer in business and you did not notify FMCSA.

Failure to complete a Biennial Update will result in deactivation of your USDOT number and may result in civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day, not to exceed $10,000.

Updating your information is free. We have included instructions below to help you complete your biennial update.

• Deadlines for Filing Update
• Update Online
• Update via US Mail

What is the Deadline to Update?

Filing schedule: Each motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider must file the appropriate form at the following times:

• Before it begins operations; and
• Every 24 months according to the following schedule:

 

If the next-to-last digit of its USDOT Number is odd, the motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider shall file its update in every odd-numbered calendar year. If the next-to-last digit of the USDOT Number is even, the motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider shall file its update in every even-numbered calendar year.

Update Online

• In order to complete the registration online, you’ll need your USDOT number, assigned PIN, EIN/SSN, and Company Official information. You can request a PIN mailed or e-mailed to you.
• Carriers needing to complete the Motor Carrier Identification Report (MCS-150) OR the Combined Identification and Hazardous Materials Safety Permit Application (MCS-150B) may do so online through the FMCSA Registration Website.
• Print an updated MCS-150 form for your records upon completion of the online registration if you prefer a hard copy.

Unable to Complete Online? No Problem.

If the carrier doesn’t have a USDOT PIN number, and their mailing address in MCMIS is outdated, they can’t submit a request for a PIN number to be mailed to them. They have 2 options:

• Submit a completed and signed MCS-150 via Fax
• Submit a completed MCS-150 via US Mail
• Scan and upload a completed, printed and signed MCS-150 to our web form (this is the best option and will provide you with a tracking number for your submission)

Fax

Send to:

• 202-366-3477

U.S. Mail

Important note for hard copy registrations: Forms must be received by FMCSA on or before the date your Biennial Update is due to avoid deactivation of your USDOT number and the assessment of civil penalties. Please allow ample time for mailing.

For Carriers

Registration forms can also be downloaded here or you can request to have a pre-printed form mailed to you by calling FMCSA Support Services at 1-800-832-5660 (Select option 1 (US DOT number questions), then press zero to speak to an agent).

• Form MCS-150 and Instructions – Motor Carrier Identification Report

For Hazardous Materials Safety Permit Carriers only:

• Form MCS-150B and Instructions – Combined Motor Carrier Identification Report and HM Permit Application

Complete, sign, and date the form, and mail it to the address below.

U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Attention: Office of Registration and Safety Information
1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.

Washington, DC 20590

Intermodal Equipment Providers (IEPs)

IEPs are unable to perform an online update at this time. Download the Intermodal Equipment Provider Identification Report form (MCS-150C) and complete, sign, and date the form, and mail it to the address above.

• Form MCS-150C – Intermodal Equipment Provider Identification Report
• Instructions for Form MCS-150C – Intermodal Equipment Provider Identification Report

Source: FMCSA Site

Florida Department of Transportation FDOT Contact Sheet

Useful DOT contact information for carriers, drivers and citizen of Florida

 

Business and Government Resources
850-414-4100

Claims Website
850-414-5357

Drivers Licenses
Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Website
850-617-2000 | Office Locations

Equal Opportunity Website
850-414-4747

ADA/Accessibility Website
850-414-4100

General Issues
Contact a local District Office
District Offices

Human Resources
People First Website (Job Vacancies)
Human Resource Office

One Stop Permitting Website
850-410-5777

Property Listings Website
850-414-4584

Fraud Reporting Website
800-255-8099

Rest Area Information
Maintenance Offices

Road Debris
Contact a local Maintenance Office
Maintenance Offices

Road Ranger Service Patrol
Road Ranger Website
* FHP (* 347)

Toll Program (SunPass)
tpk.contactsunpass@dot.state.fl.us
888-865-5352

Toll Violations (SunPass)
SunPass Toll Violations Website
888-865-5352

Real-Time Traffic and Roadway Information
511

Traveler and Commuter Resources
511

Trucking – CDL License
HSMV Commercial Vehicles Website
850-617-2606 | Field Offices

Trucking – Vehicle Operations
Florida Trucking Information Website
850-414-4700

US DOT Number-Intrastate (Florida)
HSMV Commercial Vehicles Website
850-617-2280 | Field Offices

US DOT Number-Interstate
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Admin Website
800-832-5660

Vehicle Registration, Tag, Titles
Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Website
850-617-2000 | Office Locations

Website/Application Issues
fdot.servicedesk@dot.state.fl.us
866-955-4357

Motor Carrier Size and Weight Website
850-410-5500

Central Office

Jim Boxold
Telephone: 850-414-4100

Secretary
Toll-Free: 866-374-FDOT (3368)

605 Suwannee Street
Directions to the Central Office

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0450
Hotels Near Central Office

District Offices

District 1 (Main)
Southwest Florida (Bartow)
800-292-3368
About District 1

District 1 (SWIFT)
Southwest Florida (Fort Myers)
239-225-1900
About District 1

District 2 (Main)
Northeast Florida (Lake City)
800-749-2967
About District 2

District 2 (Urban Office)
Northeast Florida (Jacksonville)
800-207-8236
About District 2

District 3
Northwest Florida (Chipley)
888-638-0250
About District 3

District 4
Southeast Florida (Ft. Lauderdale)
866-336-8435
About District 4

District 5
Central Florida (Deland)
800-780-7102
About District 5

District 6
South Florida (Miami)
800-435-2368
About District 6

District 7
West Central Florida (Tampa)
800-226-7220
About District 7

Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise

Turnpike Enterprise
Public Information
800-749-7453
About the Turnpike

Turnpike Enterprise
Toll Program (SunPass) Call Center
888-865-5352
About SunPass

Turnpike Enterprise
Toll-By-Plate Program
888-824-8655
About Toll-By-Plate

Some States Require Intrastate Carriers Register DOT

Some States require a USDOT number for all registrants of commercial motor vehicles, even intrastate operations. Non-Motor Carrier registrants are required to obtain a USDOT number as a necessary condition for commercial vehicle registration operation in these states. Take these three (3) steps to see if your states requires you to register for a DOT number:

Step 1 :  You click on the line for Intrastate ‘B’

Step 2: Your trucks stay within the state so click ‘View the list of states’

 

Step 3:  If your state is on this list you need to register for DOT and Click here to get started.

For carriers needing to complete the Motor Carrier Identification Report (MCS-150)  Application (MCS-150B) Click Here for an  on-line through the FMCSA Registration Website.

Carriers 101 on Coercion

When a D.O.T. auditor shows up to investigate about a driver you had or currently employee, and they discover you scheduling requires him to break FMCSA regulations . . . the driver may not be the one on the hot seat.  When the auditor asks for your explanation . . .

• I thought it was ok . . .
• We’ve always done it this way. . .
• No one ever told me . . .
• I fired him because he wouldn’t do his scheduled route in time . . .

and other variations on a carrier’s  “its-not-my-fault” explanations will not fly now that  ‘driver coercion” was added by the D.O.T. in its effort to go beyond roadside inspections and gain more FMCSA compliance from Carriers. (Read More:   DOT roadside Inspections enforcement status  and 10 Hours of Duty Rule)

FMCSA backs drivers with coercion rule  : FleetOwner.com Kevin Jones

A new rule to protect drivers from being compelled to violate federal safety regulations is set to publish today in the Federal Register. Known as the “driver coercion” rule, it provides FMCSA with the authority to go after not only carriers, but also shippers, receivers, and transportation intermediaries. ( read more )

Vocabulary:

What is Coercion?

Such actions are used as leverage, to force or leverage the victim to act in a way contrary to their own interests.

Example:

A driver is given a route  which he points out  is impossible to complete without going over the 11 hrs driving and or 14 hrs on-duty DOT rule.  If the driver reluctantly accepts the task because they fear the loss of their position or their job it could be considered coercion.  Accidents and road side inspections with a citation will go hard on the carrier, especially if the driver challenges their citation because of coercion.

Who Is Exempt From FMCSA ELD Rule

For many of the carriers I know, you will be exempt from the ELD ruling if your Drivers use paper DOT RODS for not more that 8 days during each 30 day period.  This exemption was made clear on August 31st 2016.

Who Is Exempt From DOT ELD Ruling?

FMCSA ELD Compliance Timeline

Here’s a video on the goals of ELD’s

 

 

VOCABULARY:

Going Faster Than 65 mph: What’s The Difference? I’ll Get There Faster.

It is safer for the truck drives at the slower speed because they have more time to react to sudden changes up ahead. Yes? Not sure?  Try the calculator below.

Delivery trucks are designed to perform better at 60 to 65 mph speed range. Manufacturers set their controls to limit speed to 65 mph.  Doing so will enhance the likelihood of fewer breakdowns because of putting less stress on the drive train and fewer accidents becuse of the shorter stopping distance. This is a good example I found from the UK.

WHAT SYSCO IS DOING

Education of our delivery associates is another significant strategy for saving energy. We have installed technology on all our trucks that limits their speed to 65 miles per hour. Limiting speed not only reduces fuel use but also improves Delivery Associate safety. Sysco’s delivery associates are trained to drive safely and efficiently, eliminating “jack rabbit” starts and maintaining proper following distances in all driving situations. We use on-board computers to monitor and improve individual vehicle and delivery associate fuel efficiency. When manual transmissions are used, delivery associates are trained in progressive shifting techniques which ensure maximum fuel efficiency. Automatic transmissions are calibrated for maximum fuel economy and engines are set to turn off automatically when unattended.

DO THE MATH

Good reasons for traveling at the model speed..

1. Shorter stopping distance
2. Less distance traveled during reaction time
3. Fewer Accidents
4. Equipment ware and tare more tolerable
5. Less stress to drive safely
6. Better employee and fellow road traveler well-being

Quote Source:  Sysco Sustainability Report 2013

http://sustainability.sysco.com/operating-sustainably/moving-products/

Never Leaves the State – Do I Need a USDOT Number?

A carrier who picks up product at the airport and never leaves their state asks, Do I Need a USDOT Number?

The answer is yes.  As an added plus you, as a carrier, will be guided to set standards for yourself and your team which help make your participation in the marketplace more successful.  How?  You drivers and products will get from A to B more often, without injury or accident injuring others.

Companies operating commercial vehicles which transport passengers or haul cargo in interstate commerce must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT Number. Also, commercial intrastate hazardous materials carriers who haul quantities requiring a safety permit must register for a USDOT Number.

The USDOT Number serves as a unique identifier when collecting and monitoring a company’s safety information acquired during audits, compliance reviews, crash investigations, and inspections.

I am still not clear about why I need to  Register for a  US DOT Number?

You are required to obtain a USDOT number if you have a vehicle that . . .

• Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating, or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight, of 4,536 kg (10,001 pounds) or more, whichever is greater; or
• Is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation; or
• Is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation; or
• Is used in transporting material found by the Secretary of Transportation to be hazardous and transported in a quantity requiring placarding.

AND is involved in Interstate commerce:

Trade, traffic, or transportation in the United States—

• Between a place in a State and a place outside of such State (including a place outside of the United States);
• Between two places in a State through another State or a place outside of the United States; or
• Between two places in a State as part of trade, traffic, or transportation originating or terminating outside the State or the United States.  

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above in both the green and orange/red areas, you are a carrier who is required by FMCSA to obtain US DOT Number.

DOTFleets Note:

Some carriers think they are not required to register for a DOT number because their trucks only pick up product at the airport and deliver only within the their state, intrastate carriers.  However, if they pick up product that originated outside of their state they are INTERSTATE CARRIERS according to the last provision in red. 

Still confused?  Call up your local state DOT office and ask this simple question, “If I pick up interstate product at the airport and my trucks are alway within our state, am I required to register for a DOT number?

How to Comply with Federal Regulations

It is the responsibility of motor carrier operators and drivers to know and comply with all applicable Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Safety compliance and safe operations translate into saved lives and property.  We believe the information in this package, when effectively applied, will contribute to safer motor carrier operations and highways.

Some States Require Carriers Register With DOT Number 
Click Here to see if your state is on of them.